BEER lovers will be able to taste a number of special tipples when the Devizes Festival Of Winter Ales is staged on February 24 and 25.

The Corn Exchange will be full of beers and ciders and there will be a mixture of entertainment including musicians and speciality acts with props that include a bed of nails and whips.

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts (DOCA), better known for its International Street Festival, carnival and lantern parade, has organised the event with the backing of Malcolm Shipp, of Kennet & Avon Brewery.

He said: "We're delighted to be supporting this wonderful event for the third year running. Obviously our own beer will feature but we already have a fantastic list coming together of the finest ales from around the country.

"With the circus entertainment and live music we have lined up this has to be one of the most unique beer festivals in the region."

The festival will start on the Friday evening, with a session from 4pm to 11pm, and the Saturday will be split into two with tickets from 11am to 5pm or 5.30pm to 11pm.

Confirmed acts include the crowd-pleasing comedic Cleverly Brothers on the Friday, and the circus giant Big Grey, performing both days.

Artistic director Loz Samuels said: "We are very excited to bring this great event, with fantastic music, pies, performance and beer. What more could you want?

"We support local breweries and raise much needed funds for DOCA enabling us to bring you our programme of events throughout the year."

Ms Samuels said the beer festival was a good opportunity to find out more about DOCA.

She said: "We are always looking to welcome willing volunteers to our group of amazing festival makers so if anyone is interested in helping with the event, or wants to help in the future, please do get in touch.

Tickets are £8 per session, available from Devizes Books, The British Lion, Wadworth Visitor Centre, The Vaults, and online via www.docadevizes.org.uk